UN’s Special Representative Kubiš Urges Political Parties to Support PM-Designate in Government Formation within Constitutional Timelines, Calls for Inclusion of Women and Minorities

Baghdad, Iraq, 21 October 2018 – Following extensive discussions with Iraqi government and political party leaders, the Special Representative for Iraq of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ján Kubiš, notes their intention to facilitate the formation of the next government within the constitutional timeline so it can promptly embark on responding to the needs and requirements of the people for services and their dignified life. Mr. Kubiš urges all the political parties to support Prime Minister-Designate Mr. Adel Abdel-Mahdi’s efforts and cooperate with him in the government formation process, prioritizing the well-being of the country and its people over partisan interests. The people of Iraq expect the Prime Minister-Designate to be able and free to choose his own Cabinet team with a composition that will send a strong positive response to Iraqi citizens who demand radical change and a break with the practices of the past.

“Throughout my meetings with Iraqi leaders, including H.E. President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed Halbousi, Prime Minister-Designate Adel Abdel-Mahdi and various political and civil society leaders and representatives, I sensed the urgency and determination to expedite the process, to be guided by the best interest of the country and its people,” said the Special Representative.

“I was encouraged to hear that there is a strong desire to create the next government as a patriotic administration with a reform-minded programme away from sectarian and partisan quotas and corruption, with partnership participation of all components and segments of Iraq. I also call for the meaningful representation of women with key ministerial portfolios as well as for respecting the rights of minorities.

“Only a government based on these principles will be strong, effective and capable of meeting progressively the aspirations and expectations of the Iraqi people, in consolidating security and law and order, in delivering on public services, rejuvenating the country’s economy to create job opportunities for the increasingly young population and providing for return of IDPs and reconstruction. Such a government working in full respect of the Constitution that guarantees the rights and equality of all Iraqi citizens, can provide for a stable and prosperous future in a united, federal, democratic and sovereign Iraq,” he said.

****************For more information, please contact: Mr. Samir Ghattas, Director of Public Information/SpokespersonUnited Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Phone: +964 790 193 1281, Email:
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or the UNAMI Public Information Office:
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